Informal Solutions for Homelessness
Informal Architecture rises from the lack of something, whether its an absence, insufficiency, or a large price tag. Take homeless encampments for example, they pop up when the environments they seek are not available. When looking at the politics of the homeless community, typically those that identify as homeless look to break away from the state control of spaces dictating their movements. Hostile architecture is the current political solution to dictating community movements and the occupation of space. I think if we as architects could inform and advocate for dedicated space for the homeless community, the need or application of hostile architecture will no longer need to be “hostile”. I like to think about examples like farmers markets and the dedicated space (shelter) that tenants temporarily occupy as a possible solution for temporarily dedicated space for transient users.
That is an interesting thought Autumn. The idea of how these open spaces that are flexible for other community needs/wants can also be used for the hurting community. I believe that is a start to finding ways to give the homeless a safe place to call home.
ReplyDeleteLove the thought of using spaces like farmers markets as space for transient users. Maybe in the future we could take spaces like that and combine it with modular and affordable housing, idk maybe shipping container reuse type construction, to create more temporary housing for cheap.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the idea of using spaces like farmers markets to be flexible for transient users and other community needs. This might be a stupid idea but what if instead of using permanent structures to be flexible we use temporary structures to host temporary programs, kinda like the serpentine pavilion but a space for homeless.
ReplyDeleteAutumn,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea for temporary dedicated spaces for the homeless. It's true that currently the only designs that are employed are the hostile architecture designs. Another example of a space that could work are fair grounds. They have one season in the fall and in some cities like Columbia, SC, they are used for tailgates on home games but are unused and available for the rest of the year. These are types of areas that are protected and regulated by the local government and could be great options!